Bees

Friday, 22 September 2017 | Admin

Here at Botanica, hidden away where they cannot be seen are two magnificent hives which are full to the brim with bees ready to carry out their work of pollination. Bees are a vital part of our biostructure and work diligently together to ensure that our trees and plants are pollinated and can produce berries, which later turn into seedlings and food for wildlife.

In Summer, one hive can contain around 35,000 bees, although this number drops dramatically to around 5,000 in the winter months. These impressive creatures communicate the location of tasty treats by dancing to each other to signal direction. The plants themselves attract these wonderful insects by their colour and often scent.

Occasionally their original living conditions become inhabitable and they leave to find a more suitable home, this happens in the form of a swarm. Over the years a few swarms have been found here in our nursery, a swarm can happen for a multitude of reasons, but what’s important to remember is that it is always for the benefit of the hive.

Bees are vital for the environment as, without them, food sources would be dramatically reduced. Make sure that your garden includes a range of bee-friendly plants, such as Buddlega, Weigela, Syringa (lilac), Pyracantha, Escallonia, and Cistus as well as others. Which would make your garden and its surrounding ecosystem flourish.